When was the last time you jumped rope? For many adults, it's been a long time – maybe even decades. Jumping rope might summon memories of childhood physical education, but the simple activity has a multitude of health benefits that should not be ignored if you want to better your physical health now, as an adult. Here are just 3 that we think are worth mentioning.
Jumping rope...
...burns a ton of calories.
No doubt about it – jumping rope can torch calories with ease. According to a study conducted by Science Daily, jumping rope “can achieve a ‘burn rate’ of up to 1,300 calories per hour of vigorous activity, with about 0.1 calories consumed per jump. Ten minutes of jumping rope can roughly be considered the equivalent of running an eight-minute mile.” Best of all, you don’t even have to leave your apartment community to make the most of jumping rope. It’s intensity, not distance, that determines how many calories you’ll burn.
...strengthens coordination and balance.
Another great reason to jump rope? You’ll improve your coordination. According to the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, jump rope training can help improve overall balance and motor coordination. This is because jumping rope involves short, low-intensity hops that help to “reinforce athletic motor patterns and develop fatigue-resistance in fast-twitch muscle fibers.” In short, jump rope now, and enjoy better coordination and balance later.
...improves joint health and muscle density in your lower legs.
Jumping rope might have a reputation as being a high-impact exercise, but all of that jumping around really pays off in the long run, when it comes to strengthening your joints and muscles. Why should you care about that? Well, stronger muscles and joints reduce the likelihood of injury. Jumping rope consists of repetitive motions that provide you with the strength and muscle memory needed to avoid injury. And, if you do get injured, you’ll likely recover faster.
Want to lead a life well-lived? Start by engaging your mind with interesting, informative material, as these tips and tricks from Oxford at Crossroads Centre Apartments in Waxahachie, Texas!